Laundry Stripping: The TikTok® Trend Everyone's Obsessed About

Laundry stripping has taken over social media, especially TikTok^®, but what is it all about? The process promises to deep-clean your laundry in ways a regular wash can’t, leaving even the cleanest-looking items free of hidden grime. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know before you dive into this viral trend.

What Is Laundry Stripping?

Laundry stripping is a soaking method designed to remove built-up residues like detergent, hard water minerals, body oils, and fabric softeners from your clothes. These build-ups can leave laundry stiff and uncomfortable, and regular washing machines often can’t get rid of them.

Why It Has Gone Viral

The shocking part of laundry stripping is seeing the water turn murky brown within minutes, revealing how much dirt and grime was lurking in your “clean” clothes. Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have made it popular, with millions of people drawn to the oddly satisfying visuals of dirty water.

How It Works

To strip your laundry, you’ll need to soak pre-washed items in a solution of hot water, Borax™, washing soda, and laundry detergent. This mixture helps break down residue that typical laundry detergents can’t fully remove. After soaking for several hours, the laundry is rinsed in a washing machine to ensure all the grime is washed away.

Is It Necessary?

If you’re washing your clothes correctly and using minimal detergent, you likely won’t need to strip your laundry often. However, if your items feel stiff or lose their natural texture, stripping them once or twice a year can help rejuvenate the fabrics.

Laundry stripping should only be done a few times a year, as it can be harsh on fabrics. It’s best suited for cotton items like towels, sheets, and T-shirts. Be cautious with colored items, as the hot water used in the process can cause dyes to run.

While it’s not a difficult process, laundry stripping is time-consuming. It requires soaking your clothes for about four hours, followed by an additional wash and dry cycle. If you’re planning to try it, make sure to set aside enough time.

What You’ll Need

To strip your laundry, gather a few essentials:
- 1/4 cup Borax
- 1/4 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- 1/2 cup laundry detergent
- A bathtub or large sink for soaking in hot water

Make sure to use the right ratios for the solution, and avoid overloading your tub to ensure all items are fully submerged.

Laundry stripping works best on thicker, sturdier fabrics like towels, sheets, and cotton clothes. You should avoid using it on delicate and colored fabrics that may lose their vibrancy.

Is It Worth It?

For many, the satisfaction of seeing dirt come out of their clothes is worth the effort. However, laundry stripping isn’t always necessary for those who already follow proper washing techniques. It’s a powerful method to remove stubborn residues but should be used sparingly to avoid damaging fabrics.

In the end, laundry stripping can be a rewarding process, but it’s not something you need to do regularly. Stick to proper laundry care; you’ll save time and your fabrics.

References: What Is Laundry Stripping, and How Is It Done? | A Guide To Laundry Stripping: The Grossly Satisfying Way To Clean Your Linens